Assessing the Potential of Alternative Food Networks for the Sale and Distribution of Local Varieties in Granada (Spain)

The process of standardization within the dominant agrifood system is being accompanied by growing demand for differentiated high-quality food products that are environmentally sustainable. In this scenario, Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) could help the local agrifood sector and local or traditional variety crops regain their pivotal role. The objective of this paper is to assess the potential of AFNs in the metropolitan area of Granada and in the nearby mountain region of the Alpujarra in the promotion and distribution of local varieties of fruit and vegetables from this region. The research took the form of case studies in which the information was collected in semi-structured interviews with the AFNs and then subjected to content analysis. The results highlight that the socioenvironmental commitment of the AFNs is their strongest asset for the conservation, sale, and distribution of biodiverse local variety produce. However, these organizations still have very limited knowledge of local varieties and there are doubts as to their capacity to mobilize sufficient volumes of these products and successfully establish themselves in rural areas.